About
For Andrew Denegar ’25, Carroll College was a place where rigorous academics, meaningful relationships and real-world opportunities came together.
A double major in Data Science and Finance, Andrew chose Carroll because of its challenging academic environment and its convenient location in Montana, where he has family. During his time on campus, he found opportunities to apply what he was learning in the classroom to complex problems beyond Carroll.
His experience with mathematical modeling competitions, combined with his Data Science coursework, helped Andrew develop the ability to build models and approach problems from a data-driven perspective. Those skills would become especially valuable after graduation.
Just a few months ago, Andrew completed a 10-month internship as a Data Science Intern at the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. The opportunity was made possible through the generosity of the Simperman family, which sponsors a Carroll student or recent graduate to intern at the observatory each year.
While at Keck, Andrew worked on revising a system that classifies scientific papers based on whether or not they use data from the observatory. His Carroll education prepared him well for the work, particularly the Data Science courses he took with Dr. Fasteen.
“Many of the classes I took at Carroll were essential for working in that environment and on this project,” Andrew says.
His Carroll experience also helped him stand out in a competitive professional environment. Through mathematical modeling competitions and his studies in Data Science, Andrew developed the ability to build models that address real-world business problems — a skill he now brings to his career.
Today, Andrew works as an Operations Associate in Dividends and Reorg at D.A. Davidson in Great Falls, Montana.
He credits several members of the Carroll community with helping him along the way. The Data Science department helped coordinate his Keck opportunity, while professor Nate Williams proactively supported Andrew and other software engineering students as they navigated the job search.
For Andrew, the value of his Carroll experience extends beyond the skills he gained in the classroom.
“Carroll College has given me a deeper connection to Montana and relationships that have lasted beyond my time in Helena.”
His advice for future students is simple: Carroll is a great fit for those who love the outdoors, value close connections with professors and want a productive, rigorous academic experience.
From Helena to Hawaii and now back to Montana, Andrew’s Carroll education has given him the skills, experiences and connections to take his Data Science education far beyond the classroom.
